UK Nations, Capitals, Symbols and Geography Study Guide

Section 2.2

What is the UK?

The United Kingdom

The full state name is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Its four countries are England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. London is the UK capital and the location of the UK Parliament.

Great Britain and the islands

Great Britain is the large island containing England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland is part of the UK but not part of Great Britain. The Republic of Ireland is an independent country and is not part of the UK.

Territories linked to the UK

Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man are Crown dependencies. They have their own governments and are not part of the UK. British Overseas Territories, including Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands, are also constitutionally linked to the UK but are not UK countries.

• UK: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Great Britain: England, Scotland and Wales.
• Crown dependencies: Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.
• Republic of Ireland: an independent state.

Targeted practice

Questions about What is the UK?

These questions prioritise terms covered on this page. Open an answer to review the explanation before moving to the full Chapter 2 practice set.

1. Sample question 1

   Which of the following territories does not belong to Great Britain?

   • Scotland
   • Wales
   • Northern Ireland
   • England
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: Northern Ireland

   ‘Great Britain’ refers only to England, Scotland and Wales, not to Northern Ireland. The official name of the country is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

   Review What is the UK?

2. Sample question 2

   Which of the following two islands are ‘Crown dependencies’?

   • Ceylon
   • The Isle of Man
   • The Channel Islands
   • Ireland
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: The Isle of Man and The Channel Islands

   There are several islands which are closely linked with the UK but are not part of it: the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. These have their own governments and are called ‘Crown dependencies’.

   Review What is the UK?

3. Sample question 3

   Which of the following statements is true?

   • Great Britain refers only to England, Wales, Northern Ireland, not to Scotland.
   • Great Britain refers only to England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, not to Wales.
   • Great Britain refers to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
   • Great Britain refers only to England, Scotland and Wales, not to Northern Ireland.
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: Great Britain refers only to England, Scotland and Wales, not to Northern Ireland.

   Great Britain refers only to England, Scotland and Wales, not to Northern Ireland.

   Review What is the UK?

4. Sample question 4

   Which of the following are ‘Crown dependencies’?

   • The Maldives and Anglesey
   • Ireland and Malta
   • The Isle of Man and the Channel Islands
   • The Isle of Wight and Northern Ireland
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: The Isle of Man and the Channel Islands

   The Isle of Man and the Channel Islands are ‘Crown dependencies’.

   Review What is the UK?

5. Sample question 5

   Great Britain refers only to England, Scotland and Wales, not to Northern Ireland.

   • TRUE
   • FALSE
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: TRUE

   This statement is true.

   Review What is the UK?

More Chapter 2 questions